The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-26

for moment forgotten the personal nature of
the discussion; as for her own vast fortune, she
had habit of not remembering that at all
''Please forgive Ildid not intend to be so
rude. But at the American school where
have been. you know. they have such different
ideas from"
imprecation under his breath addressed to Amer
lean schools IN general. ana this particular pen
sion where Ceciie had derived her democratic,
not 10 say connunIstic. opinions.
Never mind, Cecile he added. with sudden
return to his ordinary light and airy tone. Il
have my answer true; but we are stu friends
and IT must be admitted. secretly little
wounded by this ready acquiescence in her decis-
ION. Hitherto he had pleaded his suit with pas
sionate warmth. and after each final and en-
phatic no, ne had gone off declaring gayly that
he would return again-and again
and again, until he should at
come-aud gone--a good many times already.
aud if ha had at last learned wisdom, so much
the better for him. She thought as she sat on
the steps IN its moonlight and listened TO his
light chat now in one tongue. now in another.
with Uncle Marcelius and Tante. Tante rock
ing softly to aud fro in her low chair was happily
vet unaware that Ferme aux Ifs AMI Bord du
Bots divided than half century ago by
the perverseness of foolish young woman,
were likely by the perverseness of another to re-
main asunder
The next morning NJ Paul Jouberts huge old
family carriage came numbering up the lane and
stopped with great flourish at the front steps.
Out bundled cousins Laurie and Jeanne. bag,
baggage and bonnie. For a whole week. CecIle!"
they cried in the midst of the joyous clatter that
welcomed them. :'And oh, do hurry up with
the rose leaves for Tante's spice jars. and get
dressed. The tradin' boat IS at the landing"
An hour later the three girls followed
by Valentine, Cecle's high turbaned, mahogany
colored borne, futtering into Tantes
morning room Their cool-looking white gowns
were belted with dainty ribbons about their
slim young waists; wide straw hats shaded their
+. What did Tante want from the Tradin'boatl
and what could they bring Uncle Marcellus2
they demanded with many airy gestures and
bird like caresses
Uncle Marcelus would like some Perioue to-
bacco. Tautes list long one and included
spices and pepper, and cotton-thread, and pa
per OF tacks; some Jeans for Anglllques twin
pickaninnies; a garden-hoe and a watering-pot.
1t good mile more down to the river,
but soft breeze came in from the moss hung
swamp at the back OF the plantation. and the
way lay along the w1de pleasant lane that ran
between St. Denys and Ferme aux Ifs The
Cherokeo-rose hedges on either side were all
white with long slim buds and big petaled bios
SONS. and the dewy grass fringing the ROAD was
odorous with the tiny purple and yellow balls of
the sensitive plant
to the first low. vine hung cabin of the strag-
Cling little village under the high levee. Here
they encountered an acquaintance. He took off
his SLOUGH hat at sight OF them and stopped,
grnning foolishly.
Michel Bares," demanded Cecil, severely,
'wha5 are you doing on shoreP
Michel Bares, slight, dark and rather good
looking young fellow. muttered something in
the soft Cajan patois about having had a fresson,
and his nannan was going to make him lisane
of geraDium leaves.
~ do not believe word you say. Michel" in
terrupted Cecile; that is what you said the last
time when you stopped off and got drunk and
beat your wife, and Captain Tarver had to come
himself and fetch you back to the boat"
Michel explained that Captain Tarver had got
a new clerk on board, 'h'an, for himself, he was
it'd han wanted to res awhile"
You not telling me the truth, Michel"
said his monitress, nexorably. land. mind
shall certainly tell Father Kenyon if you behave
as you did the last time"
Michel took his scolding in very good part and
looked after them with cunning smile they
walked toward the landing.
The river was low and they had to pick their
A noisy crowd mostly of negroes, stood aside to
let them pass, and returned their greeting with
loud but respectful salutations.
a wide gane-plauk led from the slippery bluff
to the Tradin' boat. The Tradn- boat a
small side-wheel steamboa with single deck,
the front end of which was constructed
cabin with a low fiat roof. This was surmounted
by a tiny pilothouse, and served the floating
"store." The snug space behind the cabin was
occupied by rusty engine and couple of d.
lapidated pumps. The deck contained
smoke-staued tent, behind whose scanty flaps
Ted, a cooking aud deal table piled with
dishes, more or less visible.
Above the wide doorway which gave entrance
into the store. freshly painted sign bore its
expansive surface in large letters. the legend: